We’ve got our Wedding Barn knees up this weekend at Hornington Manor (click here to find out more), before bringing our sensational Yorkshire autumn season of events to a close next Sunday 30th October 2016, 11am till 3pm, with a very special date for the diary: our Brides Up North Luxury Wedding Exhibition at Denton Hall, Ilkley, FREE entry.

As your very own exclusive-use country house for the weekend, the team at Denton Hall pride themselves on meeting your needs with a personal touch. Denton Hall blends its rich history with a bespoke, flexible modern-day service – including a Michelin-starred fine dining experience courtesy of award winning Box Tree Events – to ensure that your special day is as successful, enjoyable and memorable as possible.

Next Sunday, we’ve enlisted the help of 30+ luxury wedding exhibitors who plan to fill it’s stately rooms with wedding inspiration to help make your day even more perfect.

The Hall is set in the heart of 2,500 acres of colourful, secluded, landscaped grounds and the exquisite interior of the Hall itself complements these beautiful surroundings. Featuring two magnificent reception rooms full of stately grandeur, with smaller, more intimate areas including an oak-panelled library and a charming period dining room you are truly Lord and Lady of the Manor at Denton.

Watch out for the Hall’s many charming features including a spiral staircase, hand-crafted genuine vintage Mouseman oak furniture, Adam style fireplaces and ceilings and crystal chandeliers. There are also 24 newly-refurbished bedrooms and two luxury suites – including an elegant bridal suite.

Come and see it all for yourselves…

bride to be?

To pre-register for a free Brides Up North VIP Bride-To-Be Media Pack (stuffed with treats and glossy mags), simply follow the link below. You can collect your VIP Bride-To-Be Media Pack upon entry to the Luxury Wedding Exhibition. Only the bride need register for larger groups. While stocks last.

We would love to welcome new exhibitors to the Brides Up North family in 2017. We are now accepting exhibitor bookings for all of our fabulous luxury wedding exhibitions across three regions next year.

We’ve got another amazing Super Sunday of luxury wedding exhibitions all set, with some stunning events for both our Yorkshire and Cheshire brides this weekend. We’ll see you at either the stately and gorgeous Denton Hall or the unique and beautiful The Bowdon Rooms both 11am till 3pm, this SUNDAY 17TH APRIL and FREE entry.

Whatever happens, make sure one of these fabulous events is in your wedding planning diary… you should see the pretty we have lined up for you! Even if you’ve already got your venue sorted, our selection of the very best suppliers in each area will help you to design your dream wedding day.

See you soon!

denton hall

Denton Hall, Denton Rd, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 0HH

Sunday 17th April 2016

11am till 3pm

Free Entry

As your very own exclusive-use country house for the weekend (set in the heart of 2,500 acres of colourful, secluded, landscaped grounds), the team at Denton Hall pride themselves on meeting your needs with a personal touch. Denton Hall blends its rich history and exquisite interiors with a bespoke, flexible modern-day service – including a Michelin-starred fine dining experience courtesy of award winning Box Tree Events – to ensure that your special day is as successful, enjoyable and memorable as possible.

This Sunday, we’ve enlisted the help of 30+ luxury wedding exhibitors who plan to fill it’s stately rooms with wedding inspiration to help make your day even more perfect.

the bowdon rooms

The Bowdon Rooms, The Firs, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2TQ

Sunday 17th April 2016

11am till 3pm

FREE ENTRY

This brilliant, exclusive use venue is as fun as it is special, with it’s high ceilings, sparkling drapes, ornate fireplaces and perfectly sprung dance floor. Dancing shoes at the ready! If you are looking for a bespoke and private wedding venue with a little added period pizazz, it’s your lucky day.

We’ve added 30+ of the very best wedding planners, floral designers, beauty specialists, bridal ateliers, vintage cars and caravans, venue stylists, photographers, videographers, live music, photo booths, cakes, favours (and more!) that the area has to offer, to make sure that every detail of your big day is covered with style.

bride to be? register now

To pre-register for a free Brides Up North VIP Bride-To-Be Media Pack (stuffed with treats and glossy mags), simply follow the link below. You can collect your VIP Bride-To-Be Media Pack upon entry to the Luxury Wedding Exhibition.

Not every bride’s dream dress is found hanging on the rails of a bridal boutique as this morning’s bride Katie goes to show.

Having envisaged the type of gown that she would love to walk the aisle in, Katie found a talented dress maker to bring her wedding wishes to life. The result is a stunning fishtail lace dress with beautiful capped sleeves, which we love.

The big day took place at Denton Hall – a stunning venue in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, which we will soon be visiting for ourselves to stage our spring Luxury Wedding Exhibition. So if you want to see this fabulous hall for yourself, be sure to join us between 11am and 3pm on Sunday 17th April 2016.

katie says: James and I met at whilst I was at university in Newcastle. We subsequently moved to my home town of Leeds and after spending two years renovating our home, we were very excited to be spending our first Christmas there together.

As Christmas is my most favourite time of the year, James set about to make that Christmas the most special of all. On Christmas Eve James cooked a fabulous meal. We resided to our living room, which James had filled with candles, and he proposed by the Christmas tree. He arranged for us to spend a night at the Savoy in London, and for us to choose an engagement ring together. It was magical.

The number 13 is lucky for us, so we set the date 13th June. We hoped for beautiful summer weather to enjoy the fabulous views from our venue. Our friends laugh as the weather forecast was driving rain until the morning of our wedding. We were so lucky to have the most beautiful hazy summer’s day.

James found our wedding reception venue. He’s a keen cyclist and often cycled past Denton Hall and so he arranged for us to go to see it. We fell in love with it the moment we walked through the door! The grand hall is nestled within the beautiful Ilkley countryside with the most stunning views, which we made the most of during our drinks reception.

For the ceremony, we both wanted a small traditional church wedding and we were lucky enough to marry at the picture perfect St Helen’s church in Denton, Ilkley. Denton Hall is about 200 metres from the church, so after the ceremony we walked, with our guests, across to the hall.

The next few weeks at Brides Up North HQ are amongst our busiest ever (hey, what changes?) as we gear up to deliver a serious helping of wedding inspiration to brides and grooms right across Yorkshire. The schedule is packed, and the schedule is pretty, as we visit four of the most gorgeous wedding venues in this beautiful county, filling each with an entirely handpicked selection of wedding suppliers for you to choose from.

Whether you are still looking for your venue (and oh my goodness these are stunners) or the few final touches (we’ve got those expertly covered too), these events are a must visit. Each event is completely bespoke and so perfectly put together, so we’d love for you to take your pick and come along to whichever takes your fancy! We’ve also made each event so unique that all four could fit neatly into a bride to be’s diary should the opportunity arise – just make sure you’ve a plan in place for handling a grumpy groom! Top tip: bring him to one, enlist the bridesmaids for the others!

We’re so very excited about what we’ve got planned for our readers – yes, that’s you! -for the next month! Bringing our inspirational pages to life is what we think we do best, and we can’t wait to share the events that we have been so meticulously working on for months behind the scenes. All we’ll say is that if you think these pages are lovely… you ain’t seen nothing yet! Grab the wedding folder, it’s time to tick off some wedmin…

This one has the WOW factor! The former residence of the Grand Old Duke of York is a real life fairy tale castle with the luxury of a boutique hotel, and it’s yours exclusively for the whole day.

We’ve filled the Great Hall and Ballroom with our selection (over 40) of the region’s best wedding industry suppliers, waiting to turn your dreams into reality.

bride to be? register now

To pre-register for a free Brides Up North VIP Bride-To-Be Media Pack (stuffed with treats and glossy mags) at all or any of the events, simply follow the link below and select the venue of your choice. You can collect your VIP Bride-To-Be Media Pack upon entry to the Luxury Wedding Exhibition. Only the bride need register for larger groups. While stocks last.

Exhibitors will be strictly limited by category and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Since their inception in spring 2012, all exhibitions have been sell outs on exhibitor space with a record attendance for every venue. Consequently, we expect demand to be very high. Get in touch as soon as possible to guarantee your place.

Please email julia@bridesupnorth.co.uk ASAP for exhibitor booking and pricing information listing the events or area that you are interested in.

It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it! As the editor these pretty pages I spend my days immersed in designer look books, wedding magazines and glued to my computer screen tracking down the latest trends and ideas in the wedding world, so my readers don’t have to. I also spend a lot of time meeting with industry insiders to discover the best services, shops and venues for brides based in the North of the UK. Super sleuth that I am, Belle Bridal Magazine sent me off to Yorkshire early last year with one mission, and one mission only – to check out their best wedding venues and come back to divulge all.

This county has so many stunning spaces for weddings and events that it’s almost impossible to choose between them (that venue hunt might take a long time!) but I share my top tips from the article – plus a few more favourite places – below.

Think Yorkshire and what comes to mind? Flat caps, rolling countryside, whippets? You’d be right, but as well as the ale and Yorkshire pud, this beautiful county – named as the top European destination by Lonely Planet for 2014 – is also fabulously diverse. Yes, it has it’s fair share of pubs (not necessarily a bad thing, more on that later) but it’s also home to stunning vistas, crumbling stately piles, chic city venues and fairy tale castles. There’s plenty to discover, but these are some of my very favourite spots.

With seriously impressive features and beautiful surroundings this 18th century gothic castle will take your breath away. Dine, the Yorkshire based experts in providing exceptional weddings and events, work in partnership with the Allerton Castle team to deliver faultless perfection to ensure your wedding is special.

the mansion (Leeds)

From The Mansion‘s tree-lined drive to the sweeping staircase, panoramic park views and immaculately restored interior spaces, this exclusive use, boutique venue is wedding day perfection. One for the fashionistas, this city chic space has a stellar reputation for fantastic events and wedding

This privately owned hotel is the perfect romantic retreat, and good food is guaranteed, for as well as fine dining Swinton Park boasts its own cookery school! Set in 200 acres of parkland, this secluded, ivy covered castle provides the perfect setting for a fairy-tale wedding. And if it all gets too much for you, just head to their superb spa… bliss.

hotel du vin (York)

This beautiful hotel in York city centre is housed within a Grade II-listed building that dates back to the early 19th century. With 44 stylish bedrooms and suites, trademark bistro, bar and private dining rooms along with a terrace, courtyard and inner forum for alfresco dining Hotel Du Vin York is a cool and contemporary sanctuary within the city’s ancient walls.

the feversham arms (Helmsley)

Cosy yet contemporary, this former public house and secluded luxury retreat in the market town of Helmsley is perfect for a boutique wedding. With stunning menus and an award winning spa, I’d have the honeymoon at The Feversham Arms too!

thorp perrow (Bedale)

An authentic private stately pile, with amazing manicured gardens and space for a grand marquee, this beautiful property wows all year round, but my top tip is a springtime celebration when the bluebell walk at Thorp Perrow will be in full bloom. Divine!

Fancy your own country mansion for your wedding weekend? Middleton Lodge has that covered. Boasting Yorkshire’s only outdoor licensed space in the midst of rolling countryside, Middleton Lodge and its 250 acre Georgian estate offers the perfect setting for a traditional country wedding party with a modern twist.

denton hall (Ilkely)

An authentic stately pile, nestled right in the heart of God’s own county, Denton Hall offers an idyllic rural settic in 2,500 acres of stunning private parkland. Just add your own Mr Darcy, and you are good to go!

With ceremony space in the Great Hall of this historic Grade I house and a reception for up to 180 in their fabulous converted barn, the National Trust estate at East Riddlesden Hall offers plenty of options for creating a bespoke and beautiful day.

bolton castle (Wensleydale)

Bolton Castle is a spectacular medieval fortress, preserved in outstanding condition and situated in the heart of peaceful Wensleydale. For a celebration full of atmosphere, Bolton Castle has to be at the top of your wish list.

Ok so, I’m a little biased, but this authentic vintage venue in the heart of Leeds has been in my husband’s family for 125 years and only now is it open to the public for weddings and events.

The working factory’s stunning listed canteen, used to host public meetings and dance parties during two World Wars (with a separate upper floor for ladies!), has stood almost untouched for 50 plus years. With its original historic features, marble bar and parquet flooring, Braime Pressings offers a completely unique space for wedding celebrations.

the kp (Hull)

A stylish and contemporary space that can accommodate up to a whoopping 400 guests, The KP is one fabulous blank canvas for a bride and groom who want to create their dream day.

Like a little piece of Provence in Yorkshire, this exclusive use barn and marquee venue is my destination of choice for summer soirees, and oh so cosy for winter weddings too. A huge bonus is the cottage accomodation on site at Priory Cottages which means that you and your party can make a whole weekend of the festivities.

oulton hall (Leeds)

With impressive grounds and an incredible 18th Century mansion on your doorstep, it’s hard to look past Oulton Hall. Factor in the serene spa space and beautifully manicured golf course for him indoors and I’m pretty much sold.

Space for ceremonies in the huge house, an outdoor drinks reception in the rose garden or orangery and a wedding breakfast in the newly refurbished riding school, beautiful Nostell Priory has it all. Set in gorgeous National Trust grounds and with the fabulous Dine events team on site, this is the stuff that dreams are made of.

the deep (Hull)

The Deep is one of the most exciting aquariums in the world, home to a whopping 3,500 fish including a pair of Green sawfish, magnificent sharks and rays, but also one of the coolest wedding venues in the UK. Make a splash by choosing somewhere completely different for your celebration.

This simple yet glamourous bridal shoot at Brides Up North Featured Supplier venue, Denton Hall, was put together by makeup artist Charlotte Hubbard of Leeds and photographer James Mieskowski of Sugarbird Photography, Halifax.

Charlotte says: James and I have collaborated on various fashion photography shoots in the past and wanted to showcase Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside and the skills of our local wedding industry creatives (see the Little White Book for details) in this styled piece with ballerina Steph Elstob.

I wanted to create a natural soft bridal look for our model to compliment the pale floral colours. I used pink and soft beiges with natural effect false lashes by Eyelure to highlight her beautiful eyes. For touch ups and shadows I always rely on YSL’s ‘Touche Èclat to even the skin tone and bring light to the face.